Sonic is working to extend its network into more parts of California, but the competitive provider is not immune to the challenges of getting access to utility poles to string fiber to deliver its disruptive $40 1 Gbps service to residential and business customers to challenge incumbents AT&T and Comcast.

Just this week, the service provider announced an East Bay expansion to include key areas across Berkeley and Albany, along with parts of El Cerrito, Kensington and Oakland.

Dane Jasper, CEO of Sonic, told FierceTelecom that since it has focused its network builds on using aerial utility poles, there are sections of its service area where the infrastructure can’t immediately accommodate additional providers.

“There are streets and areas where we’re not deploying because poles are overloaded,” Jasper said. “The deployment is not without its challenges for everyone, but I would say those challenges are the same for everybody.” Read More